Five questions with MLB All-Star Bill Buckner

By Tom Passmore tpassmore@the-leader.com

Thursday

Apr 26, 2018 at 10:13 PMApr 26, 2018 at 10:13 PM

ELMIRA - The Elmira Pioneers, along with the Hilliard Corporation and the Arnot Mall, hosted former Major League player and all-star Bill Buckner on Thursday at the Elmira Holiday Inn Riverview, The Leader had a chance to ask Buckner about his career, the infamous ground ball in the 1986 World Series and some of his favorite moments as a pro.

Q: How do you think the game of baseball has changed since you played?

A: The home runs are big, the strikeouts are big. They pitch differently now. When I came up, they used to say keep the ball down. Now they say keep it up. All of the statistics and analytics, it's crazy.

Q: How did you deal with what happened in the 1986 World Series?

A: That's life you know. Everybody has things they deal with. When you think of a baseball game, compared to someone having cancer, what is more important? Everybody has something to deal with in their family, their kids or whatever. Life deals some tough hands sometimes, but god also gives you the ability to deal with those things.

Q: Favorite memory from your playing career?

A: I've got several, my first big league at bat, first time reaching the 100 RBI mark, playing in two World Series. That's an opportunity that not everyone gets to enjoy. Could have won a World Series one time, that would have put a cherry on top of the ice cream.

Q: Was there one single player that you became friends with during your playing days?

A: Probably George Brett. He was a great teammate, a great leader and a great player.

Q: Thoughts on the Yankees/Red Sox rivalry today and who is your early season World Series pick?

A: It should be a great season. The Red Sox are playing well, but the Yankees are a big bad machine. I think pitching is going to determine how far the two will go. It should be a fun year. I'm saying the Yankees are going to win the World Series though.

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